London and Paris Fashions.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 3, 4 January 1896, Page 1 (Supplement)

London and Paris Fashions.

(JBOM OPE LONDON CORRESPONDENT.)

Regent-street, December 7. We must now dis'cu?s the all-important subject of the holiday wardrobe. Hats for holiday wear are nob to be lightly diamiaaed ■ they must be serviceable, and fripperies which weakly succumb to wind, spray, or dew, entirely dispensed with; for a chapeau that looks brave with such trimniinejs, and starts on an expedition for seabreezes, clitnbiug exploits, or sun3Bb strolls, goea oub like the proverbial lion, and comes back a niosb deplorable lamb, and a veritable vanity and vexation of spirit. Shade ia another serious consideration, both for eyesight and skin ; as the incessant clutching and care of an umbrella is such a nuisance and hindrance to freedom. With these sensible features in our hats, we wish to combine what is becoming, and in touch with the styles that be, that they may not share the fate of many ' seneibla ' dress achievements by being considered dowdy or ugly.

In Fig. 1 we have a useful hat embracing most of the desirable elements. The shape is of the ' boat' genus, with broad brim curving slightly upwards at the sides, and with moderately high indented crown ; it is of burnt leghorn or Tuscan straw, the brim bound at edge by dark blue ribbon. Round the base of crown is a broad dark blue silk band, terminating in a large full roeetta of tbs aame in front, md passing through this are two light brown quill feathers to right and left. A double width dark blue net veil ia worn with thia in the 6ketch, and would be found a great advantage for keeping the hair in order without being hot, and very becoming withal. Brown gossamer veils are said to ba the protection for the complexion, but they are certainly not glorifying to tbe wearer.

Drill and holland are splendid materials for holiday gowns, for they make up to look smart and fit, do not easily tumble, and wash like new ; which cannot be said of the more delicate, though exceeding pretty, cambrics and zephyrs. In Figure 2 an extremely nappy design in dark blue drill is shown. Tbe skirts is quite plain, and cub on the godot lines. The bodice ia made blouse fashion with Norfolk pleats, a turnover collar, and shaped waiebband. Ths centre pleat (with the collar and band) is of white drill or holland

stitched each side with dark blue featherstitch, and has three Mother -o' - Pearl buttons.

The little coab for wearing with this is cub on the lateeb principles ; modorately short, fitting to back with full skirt from waist, and reverß continuing (tapering) to bottom of jacket; these latter being of the white drill or hollaod (according to individual fancy) with which the coab is lined. The revars and cuffs have feather stitching of dark blue, corresponding with bodice. A dark blue sfcraw sailor hat with band and big rosettes of whita or holland coloured ribbon should complete this taking toilette. Our ever now oli friend, navy serge, is as much to the fore as ever this year, and is being used by the best ladies' tailors for seaside, travelling, golfing, and cycling suits a great deal. The model illustrated in Fig. 3 is simplicity itself; bub none the less stylish and elective. The plain skirt i 3 full without being exaggerated, and the Reefer jacket— which ia considered the be3t form this autumn in coats —has moderate revera, opening to show a white tie and collar. The whole of the edges are piped with white cord braid, and the buttons ore also white. A dark blue 'Yam o'Shanter cap. goes well with this suit, with whita gloves and shoes. On the eubject of shoes, tan are the universal country and seaside

wear, but for long country walks, still babtfi? t-bap. ttiese-a&a »ijifc)>w heilaad*

tinted canvas shoes, which are now made of pretty shape and with heels, and are very inexpensive. Theyare cool, beautifully light and soft, defy the cutting stones which ruin kid or leather, do not show tha dust, and waah (the canvas patt, of course) to look like new ; and I can speak personally for walking miles without fatigue in them. The Princess of Wales's dress this season has been notable for consisting of so much black. Roselle.